Decoding The Right Path For Research: Full Time vs Part Time PhD

For UGC NET | 12th January 2024 – 15 mins read

“Adopting a practical approach along with persistence is what is needed for you to achieve anything in life”

– Shubham Singhania

As a mentor, I come across students who are passionate about clearing UGC NET to fulfill their dream of either teaching at a university level or pursuing research in the particular field they would like to.

But when it comes to choosing their career paths, they often find themselves confused.

Talking about one of the most common questions that I am asked by aspiring students is whether they should pursue a full-time Ph.D. or a part–time Ph.D.

While it does seem like an obvious and direct question, however; the answer to it isn’t.

To make a determined choice between pursuing a regular Ph.D. or following it up part–time, you must keep in mind a few factors that will help you arrive at a better judgment.

Based on this, to clear all your doubts, I am going to debunk some myths and accordingly suggest whether you should opt for a part-time or a full- time PhD after qualifying for the exam.

For that, I will be explaining a few parameters based on which you can make your choice on how would like to pursue this academic degree:

Factor No. 01: Understanding the key differences between the two

Before choosing between the two options, the candidates need to understand the features that differentiate pursuing a regular PhD and a part-time PhD.

For instance, if you are aiming to attain a JRF scholarship then pursuing a full – time PhD becomes a must.

Talking about attendance, pursuing a regular Ph.D. in a subject would require students to go 5 days a week to a college, while those enrolling for a part-time Ph.D. can attend classes in late evenings or during weekends.

Those enrolling for full-time research will find themselves doing other assignments such as teaching, copy-checking, and other administrative work.

Whereas the same shall not apply to students opting for a part-time PhD as they shall be only tasked to focus on their research.

Factor No. 02: Passion for Research

On average, the time taken by students to complete their qualification as a PhD scholar takes a minimum of 3 -5 years.

During this process, they will be required to research extensively on the given subject, present their research outcomes, and publish their papers on the subject matter accordingly.

Therefore, to go through such an arduous procedure, the students must possess a strong passion for research and a personal commitment to continue on this journey.

On the other hand, if you view holding a Ph.D. degree simply as a stepping stone in your career growth and professional development, then pursuing a Ph.D. in a subject part–time might be the best option for you to go for!

In this light, I carefully advise my students to go for regular Ph.D. if only they possess the zeal to undertake research in a meticulous manner.

Another important aspect that becomes a major – deciding factor in pursuing a higher qualification is the status of their occupation.

In simple words, pursuing a regular Ph.D. or a part–time Ph.D. is hugely dependent on the candidate’s current condition of work.

If you are already employed but also aspire to complete your Ph.D. as a valuable – addition to your career progress, then you can simply opt to pursue this qualification part-time.

Whereas, if you are at present not working in any job and have completed your post-graduation in recent time, in that case, you can enroll yourself for a regular PhD.

Factor No. 04: Your Financial Situation

As is the case with the majority of the country’s population, many of us belong to middle–class families, which also means added responsibilities and pressures apart from the support and love we occasionally receive!

On a serious note, constraints on one’s financial conditions play a major role in prompting the person to seek employment opportunities rather than to focus on his/ her higher studies.

The same holds true for students who are desirous of completing their qualification as research scholars but are facing challenges to meet their financial needs.

In this scenario, I suggest the interested candidates go for a part–time Ph.D. in addition to working in a job.

On the other side, if you are a student confident enough to make it through with just the scholarship in hand and have little to no financial pressures, then you can pursue a full-time Ph.D. assuredly.

Factor No. 05: Availability of Time

As I mentioned earlier, the minimum time period to complete one’s PhD in a subject ranges between 3 – 5 years and in some cases, can take even longer.

Hence, the candidates must be prepared to allocate at least 5 years of their lifetime to complete their research.

If you are one of these students, then you can whole-heartedly pursue a regular PhD; however, if that isn’t the case, then choosing to go for a part-time PhD shall be considered a wise option for you!

Factor No. 06: Personal Commitment

Unlike the simpler days of your graduation and post-graduation, pursuing research is considered to be a difficult task of another kind!

Well, I know many of you must be wondering why would I say something like that. The reason is that during graduation/post-graduation, the candidates are required to study, prepare, and qualify for their examinations.

While, pursuing a PhD in a subject requires you to study various research papers, identify the sources you must refer to, perform a literature review, and write and publish an extensive research paper.

Post that process, you shall write and present the thesis on the same and sit for the viva. It is only after doing all of this, that you shall be finally awarded a PhD degree.

Hence, if you possess a strong inclination towards research, then you can proceed to enroll yourself for a full–time Ph.D., otherwise, you can rely on the option to pursue research part–time.

Factor No 07: Requirement for Guidance

Many of us require a helping hand when we desire to learn or study any new subject and this fact remains true for those wanting to pursue their field of interest.

Enrolling for a regular Ph.D. in a subject depends upon the need for a student to seek guidance in terms of the environment, infrastructure, and culture necessary to undertake research.

Whereas, if you are in close contact with professors, and faculty members who can effectively guide you in the right direction, then you can choose to pursue a part-time PhD and attain qualification as a research scholar.

Advice to the aspirants

Keeping in mind all the factors that I discussed, I strongly suggest my students to reflect on each one of them before deciding to pursue research.

As completing research in a particular field is a long and challenging process, it is best for aspiring candidates to adopt a practical approach apart from expressing their enthusiasm.

After going through all of these aspects, you will become more informed about the choice you make which hopefully shall turn out to be fruitful for your future.

Lastly, I hope that all of these factors that I have discussed so extensively shall help you become more aware of these two ways through which you can pursue research in the subject of your interest.

 

Upon deep reflection on these elements, you shall become empowered to choose the right path for yourself and proceed to the destination you desire to arrive at.

 

As a consequence, may you not just attain progress in your career but also significantly contribute to the world with your meticulous research.